Stone Brewing Co. has been kicking out delicious beer with edgy names, gothic bottle art, and just a little ‘tude for fifteen years.  To celebrate their crystal anniversary the brewery cooked up a special elixir.  Never the type to be content with the norm, Stone Brewing chose a ‘style’ that’s been taking the craft beer movement by storm, the Black IPA. 

Black IPA is not a recognized style.  There is even some disagreement amongst brewers as to the name of this dark yet hoppy beer.  Some call it Black IPA (an obvious oxymoron), others use American Dark Ale, while others refer to the style as Cascadian Dark Ale claiming that the style gets its soul from the hops grown in the region.  In a nod to this controversy, Stone has decided to name this special release after their homebase of Escondido, CA.  Whatever you call it, this beer demonstrates some of the beauties of craft beer: the ability to experiment, adapt, and make great beer.

Appearance
Pours a creamy midnight black.  A tan head rises two fingers above the darkness.  Long lasting foam leaves a solid layer of lacing.

Aroma
Intense aromas of West Coast hops include the citrus bite of grapefruit and orange rind.  Strong notes of pine and resin.  Smokiness, slight breadiness, and dark chocolate hint at the dark roasted malt used.

Taste
A punch of hops hits you square in the mouth.  Sticky bitterness of resin with plenty of the citrus from the nose.  Despite their best effort, the strong West Coast hops are not able to overpower the malt bill.  Roasted malt, dark chocolate, and a slight smokiness all cut the intense hoppiness and keep the beer balanced

Mouthfeel
Smooth, creamy, full bodied beer fills the mouth.  Carbonation is modest and stays out of the way of the huge flavors.  Alcohol is slightly warming.

Drinkability
Definitely a beer to enjoy with a friend; either to share or to designate as a driver.  At over 10% ABV, this special release will have you seeing double in no time.  Certainly not a beer for the faint of heart.  Hops lovers should stock up on this one before it’s gone.  Overall grade for Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA: A-


Stone 15th Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA

Up next on Tuesday Tasting: New Belgium Brewing’s Lips of Faith Kick